Gary Sawyer went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 3, 2016. Gary was born in Orange, CA on December 28 ^th , 1940, the first born of Frances Berle and Thomas Calvin Sawyer.  He was one of three children.

Gary attended Santa Ana high school, Santa Ana College, and Long Beach State University where he obtained an AA degree in criminal justice.  He served his country as an MP in the US Army during the Vietnam era.  After his time in the service, Gary worked at the Santa Ana Police department for 29 years, retiring as a sergeant.  Gary married Shirley Leonne Tessier on July 28 ^th , 1968.  He accepted the Lord five years later at Sunkist Baptist Church in Anaheim, CA, and he served the Lord at Sunkist for 20 years, including two terms as deacon.

In 1996 Gary and Shirley moved their family to Denton, where the Lord and friends led them to Denton Bible Church where they faithfully attended and served.  At Denton Bible Gary worked several years in Starting Point ministry.  Gary and Shirley enjoyed their retirement in the Denton area taking numerous vacations and cruises.

Gary was beloved by everyone he ever met, was passionate about attending every event that either his kids or grandkids participated in, and was always interested in talking and helping others.  He was greatly respected and was a true role model on the job and at home.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his brother James Edwin Sawyer, and grandson Jude Daniel Sawyer.  He is survived by his wife of 48 years Shirley, sister Janet Louise Phillips of Reno Nevada; and four children: Sharon Rene Hood of Shady Shores TX, Gregory James Sawyer of Argyle TX, Daniel Willis Sawyer of Corinth TX, and Sarah Marie Yancey of Sanger TX.  Gary and Shirley were blessed with 12 grandchildren:  Thomas Hood, Matthew Hood, Jacob Hood, Rachel Hood, Garrett Sawyer, Grant Sawyer, Jaxon Sawyer, Joshua Sawyer, Jude Sawyer, Jaylie Sawyer, Chase Yancey, and Tyler Yancey.

Services will be held on Tuesday, November 8, at 10 AM at Denton Bible Church.